KANSAS COALITION FOR CHILDREN AND NATURE TO MEET SEPT. 4

Group formed to create more outdoor opportunities for youth

TOPEKA — The convening organizations of the Kansas Coalition for Children and Nature will meet on Friday, Sept. 4, at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Office of the Secretary, 1020 S. Kansas Ave., in Topeka. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius issued an executive order to form the Kansas Coalition for Children and Nature last April. The purpose of the coalition is to create opportunities for children to experience nature, working with state agencies and other organizations.

Research has shown that time in nature improves a child’s academic performance, concentration, balance, coordination, and self-esteem. Unfortunately, the amount of time children spend outside has dropped by 50 percent during the past 20 years.